Author: Staff Writer

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Technology

Airtel renames ‘Priority Postpaid’ as ‘Fast Lane’

Bharti Airtel has renamed its recently launched ‘Priority Postpaid’ service as ‘Fast Lane’, while retaining all existing features and benefits of the offering, the telecom operator said. The move comes amid continued debate over whether the service complies with India’s net neutrality framework.

Airtel clarified that the change is limited to branding and that there is no question of withdrawing the service. The company said the new name better reflects the experience offered to users and follows the conclusion of its initial launch campaign. The underlying technology and plan structure remain unchanged.

The service is powered by 5G network slicing technology, which allows Airtel to allocate dedicated network resources to eligible postpaid subscribers. According to the company, users can experience more stable connectivity, faster speeds and improved network performance, particularly in crowded locations or during periods of heavy network congestion.

Airtel has removed references to ‘Priority Postpaid’ from its website and mobile application, replacing them with the ‘Fast Lane’ branding. Users have also reported seeing the new name displayed on supported devices.

The service has attracted attention from regulators and policymakers since its launch. Critics have questioned whether prioritising certain subscribers could conflict with the principle of net neutrality, which requires equal treatment of internet traffic. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the government have been examining the issue, while discussions have also taken place before a parliamentary panel.

Airtel has defended the offering, maintaining that it does not provide preferential treatment to any specific application, website or content. The company argues that the service is content-neutral and fully compliant with existing regulations. It has also stated that prepaid users will continue to receive the same level of service and that the enhanced experience for postpaid users does not come at the expense of other customers.

The rebranding is unlikely to end the debate, with industry experts expecting continued scrutiny of premium network services as telecom operators explore new ways to monetise 5G technology and improve customer experience.

Also Read: Gold price dips to ₹1,48,850, Silver down at ₹2,49,900

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Beyond

Gold price dips to ₹1,48,850, Silver down at ₹2,49,900

Gold and silver prices edged lower in domestic markets on Thursday as investors booked profits after the recent rally, although continued geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of steady safe-haven demand kept the broader outlook supportive for precious metals.

According to market data, 24-carat gold declined by ₹10 to ₹1,48,850 per 10 grams, while silver slipped ₹100 to ₹2,49,900 per kilogram. The decline comes after both metals touched elevated levels in recent sessions amid heightened global uncertainty.

Bullion markets remained cautious as traders assessed developments in international markets, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, movements in the US dollar and expectations regarding interest-rate decisions by major central banks.

The precious metal has witnessed strong buying support in recent months as investors sought protection against market volatility. Analysts noted that any further escalation of geopolitical tensions could trigger fresh demand for gold and push prices higher.

Silver also witnessed a modest correction during the session. However, experts believe the metal remains supported by robust industrial demand from sectors such as renewable energy, solar equipment, electronics and electric vehicle manufacturing. Its dual role as both an industrial and investment metal continues to support long-term price prospects.

Market participants are now closely watching upcoming economic indicators from major economies and signals from global central banks for cues on future bullion price movements. Changes in interest-rate expectations and currency trends are expected to remain key drivers for gold and silver in the near term.

The marginal decline was largely driven by profit booking rather than any major shift in fundamentals. Gold continues to attract investor interest as a safe-haven asset amid concerns over global economic growth, inflationary pressures and geopolitical risks.

Also Read: Sensex slides over 350 points, Nifty falls below 23,150

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Corporate

Sensex slides over 350 points, Nifty falls below 23,150

Indian stock markets came under pressure on Thursday as investors reacted nervously to rising tensions in the Middle East and a sharp jump in crude oil prices. The BSE Sensex dropped more than 350 points, while the NSE Nifty slipped below 23,150, with concerns growing over the potential economic impact of the escalating conflict involving Iran and the United States.

Market sentiment weakened after reports suggested that Iran moved to disrupt shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following US military strikes. The development raised fears of supply disruptions in global energy markets, pushing crude oil prices higher and increasing concerns about inflationary pressures worldwide.

Higher oil prices are a major concern for India, one of the world’s largest crude oil importers. Analysts warned that a prolonged rise in energy costs could impact corporate profitability, widen the country’s trade deficit and put pressure on the rupee.

Information technology stocks bore the brunt of the selling pressure. HCL Technologies, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tech Mahindra emerged among the top losers as investors trimmed exposure to export-oriented sectors amid global uncertainty. Selling was also witnessed in select automobile and consumer stocks.

However, the broader market showed pockets of resilience. Banking, pharmaceutical and healthcare counters attracted selective buying as investors shifted towards relatively defensive sectors. Some private banking stocks managed to limit losses, helping the indices recover partially from intraday lows.

Despite the sharp decline, analysts believe domestic market fundamentals remain relatively strong. However, they cautioned that near-term sentiment is likely to remain fragile until there is greater clarity on the Middle East situation and its impact on global energy supplies.

Market experts said investors are closely monitoring geopolitical developments and movements in crude oil prices. Any further escalation in the conflict could increase volatility across global financial markets. At the same time, attention remains on upcoming economic data and central bank commentary for clues on interest-rate trends.

Also Read: Zoho takes hardware leap with ‘Nathu La’ server

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Corporate

Zoho takes hardware leap with ‘Nathu La’ server

Zoho Corporation has entered the hardware segment with the launch of ‘Nathu La’, a server designed and developed in India. The move marks a significant expansion for the software major as it seeks to strengthen India’s capabilities in data centre infrastructure and artificial intelligence computing.

The company said the new server has been built to address the growing demand for high-performance computing while reducing dependence on imported hardware. Nathu La is designed to support data centres, cloud services and AI workloads, sectors that require increasing computing power as businesses accelerate digital transformation.

According to Zoho, one of the key objectives behind the project is to lower the cost of running AI applications and data centres. The company believes locally designed hardware can offer better cost efficiency and help organisations manage rising infrastructure expenses associated with advanced computing.

The launch reflects Zoho’s broader vision of building a vertically integrated technology ecosystem. By expanding beyond software into hardware, the company aims to optimise performance across the technology stack while strengthening control over product development and innovation.

Company officials said the server was developed through in-house engineering efforts and aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in critical technology sectors. The initiative also supports the government’s emphasis on promoting indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities under various digital and electronics programmes.

Also Read: Meta, Reliance partner for AI data centre in Jamnagar

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1 Minute-Read

Delhi data center fire disrupts Google Cloud services

A fire at a third-party data centre in Delhi disrupted Google Cloud services across parts of India on June 10, affecting network traffic and cloud-based operations.

Users in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai reported service interruptions, impacting businesses and digital platforms relying on Google Cloud infrastructure. Google said the issue originated at an external facility and teams worked to restore services.

While operations gradually resumed, the incident highlighted the critical role of data centres in supporting India’s growing digital ecosystem and cloud computing infrastructure.

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Beyond

Meta, Reliance partner for AI data centre in Jamnagar

Meta has partnered with Reliance Industries to develop its first artificial intelligence-enabled data centre in India, marking a significant step in the country’s growing ambitions to become a global hub for AI and digital infrastructure.

The proposed facility will be located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and is expected to support Meta’s expanding AI operations while catering to the increasing demand for computing power, data processing and cloud-based services. The collaboration brings together Meta’s expertise in artificial intelligence and digital platforms with Reliance’s infrastructure capabilities and large-scale project execution experience.

According to the companies, the data centre will be designed to support next-generation AI applications, including large language models, machine learning systems and advanced computing workloads. The project is expected to provide the high-performance infrastructure required for developing and deploying AI technologies at scale.

The partnership aligns with India’s broader push to strengthen its digital ecosystem and attract investments in emerging technologies. Demand for AI-ready data centres has risen sharply worldwide as technology companies invest heavily in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics.

The collaboration is a major endorsement of India’s growing importance in the global technology landscape.  Jamnagar has emerged as a key location for large-scale infrastructure projects because of its industrial ecosystem, energy resources and connectivity advantages. The proposed facility is expected to contribute to the development of a robust AI infrastructure network in the country.

The project is also likely to generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases while encouraging further investment in technology and digital services.

For Meta, the initiative represents a strategic expansion of its AI infrastructure footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. For Reliance, the partnership strengthens its presence in the digital and technology sectors, complementing its broader ambitions in telecommunications, cloud services and artificial intelligence.

Also Read: India puts Starlink approval on hold for security reasons

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Corporate

Sensex picks up by 60 points, Nifty ends in red

Equity markets ended on a mixed note on Thursday with the BSE Sensex closing slightly higher while the NSE Nifty settled in the red amid cautious investor sentiment and sector-specific selling.

The BSE Sensex gained 64 points after a volatile trading session, supported largely by buying in heavyweight stocks, including Reliance Industries. In contrast, the NSE Nifty ended marginally lower as weakness in information technology, banking and financial stocks offset gains in select blue-chip shares.

Markets opened cautiously as investors tracked geopolitical tensions in West Asia, movements in crude oil prices and uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook. Traders also remained focused on upcoming inflation data and policy signals from major central banks.

Reliance Industries was among the top contributors to the Sensex’s gains, attracting strong investor interest during the session. Buying in select energy and consumer-oriented stocks also helped support market sentiment. However, profit-booking in IT and financial counters restricted broader gains and weighed on the Nifty.

Investors continued to monitor developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global oil supplies and inflation. Rising crude oil prices remain a key concern for India, which relies heavily on imports to meet its energy needs.

Foreign institutional investor activity and trends in global markets also influenced domestic equities. Market experts noted that investors preferred stock-specific opportunities rather than taking broad market positions, resulting in mixed performance across sectors.

The broader market showed a mixed trend, with selective buying seen in several mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Trading remained largely range-bound throughout the day as investors avoided aggressive bets amid prevailing uncertainties.

Also Read: Anthropic introduces Claude Fable 5 for public use

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Leaders

Mehli Mistry challenges removal from Tata Trusts

A governance dispute has surfaced within Tata Trusts after former trustee Mehli Mistry challenged his removal from the organisation, alleging that the decision was unlawful and violated established procedures.

Mistry, a veteran chartered accountant and younger brother of late industrialist Pallonji Mistry, has questioned the circumstances surrounding his ouster from the influential philanthropic body that holds a significant stake in the Tata Group. In a detailed communication, he reportedly argued that his removal was carried out without following due process and lacked adequate justification.

The controversy has drawn attention because of Tata Trusts’ crucial role in overseeing charitable activities and its influence over the Tata Group, one of India’s largest business conglomerates. Mistry had been associated with the trusts for several years and was regarded as an experienced voice on governance and financial matters.

In his objections, Mistry raised concerns about governance practices and potential conflicts of interest within the trust structure. He reportedly questioned whether certain decisions were being taken in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability and fiduciary responsibility expected from a public charitable institution.

According to reports, Mistry contended that the removal process did not comply with the trust deed and relevant governance norms. He also sought greater clarity regarding the reasons cited for his exit and the procedures followed by the trust leadership.

Tata Trusts, however, has maintained that its decisions are taken in accordance with applicable rules and governance frameworks. The organisation has not publicly accepted Mistry’s allegations and is understood to be standing by the decision taken by its board.

The dispute comes at a time when Tata Trusts is undergoing changes in leadership and governance following the appointment of Noel Tata as chairman. Observers note that the matter could attract wider attention because of the trust’s importance within the Tata ecosystem and its role in guiding long-term philanthropic and strategic initiatives.

Corporate governance experts say the episode highlights the growing scrutiny of governance standards at large charitable institutions and business-linked trusts.

Also Read: Gold rises to ₹1,53,170, silver falls to ₹2,59,900

Categories
Beyond

Gold rises to ₹1,53,170, silver falls to ₹2,59,900

Gold prices remained firm on June 10 as investors continued to seek safe-haven assets amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While domestic gold rates edged higher, silver prices witnessed a decline as traders booked profits and monitored global market developments.

According to market data, gold prices in the national capital rose by ₹10 to ₹1,53,170 per 10 grams. In contrast, silver prices fell by ₹100 to ₹2,59,900 per kilogram, reflecting mixed sentiment in the precious metals market.

Globally, gold prices remained supported after renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran increased uncertainty across financial markets. The geopolitical developments also pushed crude oil prices higher, raising concerns over inflation and global economic stability. Such conditions typically encourage investors to move funds into gold, which is widely regarded as a safe-haven asset during periods of uncertainty.

However, gains in gold were limited by expectations surrounding US monetary policy. Investors are closely tracking economic data and signals from the US Federal Reserve for clues on the future path of interest rates. Higher interest rates generally reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold, leading to cautious trading activity.

In India, gold demand remained steady despite elevated prices. Jewellers reported continued interest from buyers, although some consumers preferred to postpone purchases in anticipation of price corrections. Market participants are also keeping an eye on upcoming economic indicators and geopolitical developments that could influence the direction of precious metal prices.

Silver, which often tracks both industrial demand and investment sentiment, traded lower during the session. Analysts attributed the decline to profit-booking and a cautious outlook on global manufacturing demand.

Also Read: Sensex surges over 500 points, Nifty below 23,400

Categories
Beyond

Q4 current account surplus stands at 0.7% of GDP

India recorded a current account surplus of $7.1 billion, or 0.7% of GDP, in the fourth quarter of FY26, reflecting the strength of the country’s services exports and remittance inflows despite a wider merchandise trade deficit.

According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the surplus marked an improvement in India’s external sector performance during the January-March quarter. The positive balance was primarily driven by robust earnings from services exports and steady inflows of money sent home by Indians working abroad.

Services exports, particularly in information technology, business services, consulting and financial services, continued to remain a key contributor to foreign exchange earnings. India’s globally competitive services sector helped cushion the impact of a growing trade gap in goods.

Remittances also remained a major source of support. Inflows from overseas Indians contributed significantly to the current account balance, highlighting the continued importance of the Indian diaspora to the country’s external finances.

The merchandise trade deficit widened during the quarter as imports outpaced exports. Higher imports of crude oil, electronics, machinery and other goods contributed to the increase. However, the strong performance of the services sector and remittances more than compensated for the trade imbalance.

Economists said the surplus demonstrates the resilience of India’s external sector despite global economic uncertainties. The country’s diversified sources of foreign exchange earnings have helped maintain stability even as international trade conditions remain challenging.

A current account surplus occurs when the value of exports of goods and services, along with income and transfer receipts, exceeds the value of imports and outgoing payments. Such a surplus generally supports the domestic currency and strengthens foreign exchange reserves.

Also Read: Bombay HC quashes 12% retrospective spectrum charge